Wednesday 5 November, 12PM UK | The Employment Rights Bill is advancing through Parliament and will bring the most sweeping reforms to workplace rights in decades.
Despite attempts in the House of Lords to water it down, the Government has confirmed it will uphold key provisions such as day-one protection from unfair dismissal and the ban on exploitative zero-hours contracts.
At the same time, proposals to expand whistleblowing obligations even further, including mandatory investigation duties and statutory guidance for larger employers and regulated sectors, were rejected. But the direction of travel is clear: employers will face tougher duties, broader enforcement, and an increased risk of claims.
For HR, compliance and risk teams, this means acting now: not only to comply with existing duties under the Worker Protection Act 2023 (such as taking reasonable steps to prevent harassment), but also to prepare for new obligations introduced by the ERB, including the return of third-party harassment liability and stronger protections for whistleblowers.
What we’ll cover
- Where the Bill stands now: Government response to Lords’ amendments and what’s likely to pass.
- Unfair dismissal: Day-one rights and the heightened claims risk for employers.
- Zero-hours contracts: The new restrictions and what they mean for workforce planning.
- Whistleblowing: What survived, what was rejected, and how protections are still being expanded.
- Third-party harassment: Renewed employer liability for harassment by clients, contractors or customers.
- The Fair Work Agency: Enforcement powers and what employers can expect from investigations.
- Practical steps: How HR, compliance and risk teams can prepare policies, reporting channels, and training now.
Why attend
The Employment Rights Bill signals a new era of workplace regulation. Employers that fail to prepare risk regulatory action, tribunal claims, reputational damage and fines. This webinar gives you clear, practical steps to stay compliant and protect your workforce.
